Axiom takes ‘Side by Side’ in U.K.

Docu features Scorsese, Lucas, Soderbergh

LONDON — Axiom Films has acquired distrib rights for U.K./Ireland on the Keanu Reeves-produced docu “Side by Side.”

Helmed and scripted by Christopher Kenneally, “Side by Side” saw its preem at the Berlin Film Festival in Feb. The docu explores the development of cinema and the impact of digital filmmaking, including interviews with a host of helmers, d.p.s, actors and editors, including Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, David Fincher, Christopher Nolan, George Lucas, Steven Soderbergh, Lena Dunham, Dion Beebe, Wally Pfister, Anthony Dod Mantle, Walter Murch and Anne V. Coates, among others.

The film was produced by Justin Szlasa and Reeves. World sales are handled by Cats & Docs.

Axiom is a U.K. production and distrib company established in 1997. Theatrical hits include Ryan Fleck’s “Half Nelson,” which grossed £261,582 ($524,000) at the U.K. box office and Courtney Hunt’s “Frozen River” ($207,400). Recent hits include Iranian drama “About Elly” ($123,100) from Asghar Farhadi, helmer of Academy Award winning foreign-language film “A Separation,” which Axiom released Sept. 14.